5 of LeBron James' most viral moments since COVID
In the past five years, LeBron James has solidified his case as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Aside from momentous accolades, James has added viral moments to his illustrious career since COVID hit, which keep him relevant beyond the world of hardcore hoops fans.
All through the ups and downs of the L.A Lakers, here are some of LeBron James’ most viral moments in the past five years.
5 of LeBron James' most viral moments since COVID
LeBron James kicked out a fan in Indiana
Early in the 2021-2022 season, LeBron James had enough of unruly fans in Indianapolis, having them ejected in overtime against the Indiana Pacers.
Midway through the overtime period, James called an official and pointed directly at two fans, who were immediately escorted out of the arena by security.
“Right fu**ing here,” James was overheard saying.
The two made funny faces to the crowd as they walked out of the arena. James and the Lakers eventually registered a win over the Pacers.
LeBron James hits deep three over Steph Curry to win play-in
LeBron James had made deep threes in the past but none more iconic than when he hit one against one of his fiercest rivals, Steph Curry. On May 19, 2021, James drilled a deep triple in front of Curry to put the Lakers over the Golden State Warriors and secure a playoff spot in the Play-In tournament.
As the shot clock winded down, James caught the pass from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, drilling the shot at the buzzer with under a minute left in the game.
The Lakers, however, went on to lose their first-round series against the Phoenix Suns as they failed to defend their 2020 NBA crown.
LeBron James saying “it's our ball” in the bubble
LeBron James won his fourth NBA championship inside the NBA bubble during the COVID pandemic, but his stint there did not come short of viral moments.
In a game of their first-round series against the Portland Trail Blazers, James was seen yelling from the bench upon realizing that the referees mistakenly awarded possession of the ball.
James was mic’ed up at that point, allowing viewers at home to hear him clearly during the entire commotion.
Jabari Smith Jr. made LeBron James feel old
LeBron James has been in the NBA for over 20 years and he was reminded of it by rookie Jabari Smith Jr. who spoke to James during the Lakers-Rockets game on January 18th, 2023. He let know James about how his father played against the Lakers superstar in his first game in the NBA.
“You played against my Dad your first NBA game ever. "You feel old, don't you?,” said Smith.
The two players laughed about it afterward. In the same game, James and Jabari Smith Sr. reconnected on the sidelines and hugged each other.
LeBron James became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer
LeBron James became truly unprecedented when he surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He drilled a 21-foot turnaround jumper to reach 38,388 points, which is more than anyone has ever scored.
The game was paused after the shot to honor LeBron James’ historic milestone. The Lakers then lost the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 8, 2023.
James has now scored 40, 474 points in his career and is poised for more ahead of his 22nd season in the NBA.